Now that the Golden State Warriors have concluded much of their offseason business and we've rounded into the final portions of the offseason, it's easy to forget one of the central developments of the past couple of months.
The Warriors almost lost Steve Kerr to retirement, but he was ultimately convinced to come back on a two-year deal. Kerr's decision was likely more complicated than we'll ever know. But one thing is clear— he wants to see the career of his superstar, Stephen Curry, out.
But to be a coach with a legacy of success (and to be tied to a player with that same legacy) is a double-edged sword. The Warriors' dynasty, for all intents and purposes, seems to have come to an end. Although some extreme financial flexibility next offseason could help them make one last push, this season already seems to be swept under the rug in terms of contention.
As much as Kerr has been credited for Golden State's successes, he's also been saddled with its failures. Many would argue, with some justification, that's he's failed to develop the organization's young talent. When the Warriors fall short, it falls at the feet of Kerr, not Curry
But at the same time, a season lost to development of the young pieces isn't acceptable when both Kerr and Curry are still present in the organization. It leaves Kerr in a lose-lose situation as he helps the Warriors ride out the end of this era.
Steve Kerr is stuck between a rock and a hard place with the Warriors in 2026-27
On the optimistic side, there's room to see a path to a first-round playoff victory for this team. If Jimmy Butler returns and is able to reach full form by the end of the regular season, and things otherwise go well in terms of injury, this roster has enough playoff experience and star power to shock a couple Western Conference contenders in a seven-game series.
But the more realistic path is that injuries derail this team before things ever truly get going. Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis, and De'Anthony Melton will likely play, at best, 60 games a piece. Curry missed significant time last season, and he'll need ample rest if he's going to enter the playoffs in top shape. So will Draymond Green.
This roster is almost certainly destined for another Play-In Tournament appearance. With a matchup likely looming against either the Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs after that, that's not a very promising outlook.
This is where the problem comes in for Kerr— at least the one that's haunted him over the past few years of his Warriors tenure.
If he goes all-out late in regular season, pushing Curry, Butler, and Green in order to give the Warriors their best shot at a playoff bid, and the Warriors fall short, it will be a failed return. But if he uses portions of the season to help develop the young pieces in Yaxel Lendeborg, Gui Santos, and Brandin Podziemski, there will be those that claim he's selling away one of the final seasons of Curry's career in favor of front-office interests.
The story isn't done for Kerr or Curry. But there's almost no way for the returning coach to make good on what his decision promises this season. No matter what, it will likely turn out to be another 'failure' on Kerr's résumé.
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